Transcript Highlights:

• So if you want to add money to say DFA, that costs $5 million more in general fund on this line item.
• times by your SFC analysts, ...and read through multiple times by your SFC analysts, as well as H-AFC, DFA
• cases, the locals will say we are spending it, we're encumbering it, but we haven't reported it to DFA
• So that's money towards DFA to not only reform the capital outlay portion and make it more transparent

Bills: SB152, SB145, SB190, HB247

Keywords: telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion, rural internet, broadband infrastructure, eligible telecommunications carrier, ETC, tribal consent

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 145 was agreed upon between the auditor and DFA.
• So DFA would compile it.
• Now they'll be compiled at DFA and then sent to the state.
• My real question would be: who's going to audit DFA?
• Audit DFA? Yes. The DFA still has to comply with the law.

Bills: SB152, SB145, SB190, HB247

Keywords: telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion, rural internet, broadband infrastructure, eligible telecommunications carrier, ETC, tribal consent

Bills: SB190, HB247, HB8

Keywords: cancer treatment, revenue bonds, Gila Regional Medical Center, Nor-Lea General Hospital, healthcare funding, capital outlay, capital projects, appropriations, reversion, encumbrance, reauthorization, reappropriation, general fund, capital development and reserve fund, tribal infrastructure project fund, Department of Finance and Administration, DFA, state board of finance, severance tax bonds, tax-exempt bonds

Transcript Highlights:

• So the amendment for DFA, I mean, it really says that if you haven't spent any of the money, then the
• I mean, this would say DFA would freeze it, and then any expenditures would be invalid.
• It's just a process that occurs through DFA.
• For instance, in DFA, we set up the capital outlay division there with the intent that they would help
• Which is done through the Infrastructure Office at DFA. And currently it's not required.

Bills: SB190, HB247, HB8

Keywords: cancer treatment, revenue bonds, Gila Regional Medical Center, Nor-Lea General Hospital, healthcare funding, capital outlay, capital projects, appropriations, reversion, encumbrance, reauthorization, reappropriation, general fund, capital development and reserve fund, tribal infrastructure project fund, Department of Finance and Administration, DFA, state board of finance, severance tax bonds, tax-exempt bonds

Transcript Highlights:

• DFA taking over their leasing authority. DFA taking over their leasing authority. Right.
• DFA it would require DFA to<00:24:55.039> sell,<00:24:55.600> lease,<00:24:56.080>
• for DFA. for DFA.
• I trust DFA if they have discretion. I trust DFA if they have discretion.
• Allows DFA<00:36:14.640> to<00:36:14.800> transfer DFA to transfer DFA to transfer and<

Keywords: Public Property - Room 409, 29 January, 2026; 2:30 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The Public Property Committee held its organizational meeting and elected Senator Ladner as secretary. It then took up Senate Bill 2203, which would centralize leasing authority for state agencies in privately owned space under DFA and, when cheaper, move certain agencies into the capital complex area to encourage consolidation and cost savings. Senator Seymour questioned specific references in the bill, including a corporation mentioned in current law and whether the measure could affect ports, the Gulf Coast Coliseum, universities, community colleges, or local offices outside Metro Jackson. Blunt said the bill was intended only for state agencies in the Metro Jackson area and not for local county offices or other institutions, and he later identified the corporation reference as the Mississippi Home Corporation. The committee adopted a title-sufficient do-pass motion and reported the bill out. The committee next considered a bill by Senator Hobson authorizing the Soil and Water Conservation Commission to construct a levee project in Yazoo County using federal funds, at an estimated cost of more than $100 million. Hobson said the project would address significant flooding and complete a portion of levee work near Carter and Satartia. With no questions, the committee again adopted a title-sufficient do-pass motion and reported the bill out. Senator Williams then presented Senate Bill 2594, the Mississippi Antiquities Law bill, which would streamline demolition of abandoned, vacant, or blighted buildings on public university and community college campuses while preserving historic properties. He said the measure would require coordination with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, define blight, require engineering analysis in some cases, and give MDH 90 days to respond before demolition or further inspection proceeds. Several senators raised concerns that the bill’s language was too broad, especially the definitions of blight and other causes, and that it might let institutions tear down too much without sufficient oversight. Williams said the bill was meant to balance preservation with practical needs and agreed to work on a floor amendment to tighten the language. The committee then voted to report the bill out. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2340, authorizing DFA to sell, lease, or convey the former DPS property at 1900 East Woodrow Wilson Avenue in Jackson. The committee substitute would direct proceeds to the general fund rather than DPS, while preserving mineral rights, allowing repurchase under certain conditions, and requiring DFA review of proposals. Senators discussed possible redevelopment uses, including University Medical Center, and the bill’s restrictions on uses such as heavy industrial, adult entertainment, casinos, liquor stores, and solid waste facilities. No final vote on this bill was reflected in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:52.400> and belongs to the state you have DFA and belongs to the state you have DFA
• learning and so they would like for DFA learning and so they would like for DFA to<00:02:58.480>
• DFA still will review.
• DFA still will review. >> That's correct. DFA still will review.
• continue with the process as DFA continue with the process as DFA continues<00:04:54.560> to<

Keywords: Public Property - Room 210, 30 January, 2026; 10:30 A.M., 925, all

Summary: The Public Property Committee met for its second meeting and considered one bill presented by Senator Dupre on behalf of the University of Southern Mississippi. The bill would streamline the sale of a USM-owned parcel in North Mississippi by allowing the Department of Finance and Administration to continue reviewing the transaction and ultimately approve it without having to open the property up through the usual process, while still requiring the standard due diligence and two appraisals. Senator Dupre said the change would speed development of the property, which has a master plan involving local governments and the city of Hattiesburg, and could help attract complementary industry for the existing innovation park. Committee members noted that the proposal was double-referred to Public Property and Universities and Colleges and that it was similar to a prior Mississippi State University arrangement, suggesting it was not new precedent. The chair emphasized that DFA would not be removed from the process, only allowed to review and then step back once the transaction could proceed. After no further questions, the committee adopted a motion for title sufficient and do pass, with no opposition recorded. The bill was then referred out, and the committee subsequently approved a motion to rise and report.

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul Garing, DFA. You're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• So that's a process that the DFA, as the government official, would have to work out.
• out, plus the business would have to work out how they're going to get that reported to DFA.
• I would not be aware that DFA had taken a position either way on this bill or this ISP.
• Paul Gearing, DFA. Paul Gearing, DFA? Representative Ray?

Summary: The committee met to approve special expenses and then considered two interim study proposals. ISP 2025-069, by Representative Perry and presented by Representative Eaton, would move vehicle sales tax collection from the current registration-based process to the point of sale. Members asked about the current 60-day registration period, the fiscal and administrative impact on DFA, the burden on dealerships, verification and audit issues, and whether the change could affect tax collection or vehicle pricing. DFA said it was neutral on the proposal, noted programming and process changes would be needed, and said the total tax collected would not change, though timing would. The committee approved the ISP and sent it on for research. The committee then took up ISP 2025-071, based on House Bill 1636 from the 2025 session, which would phase out the state soda excise tax over five years if Medicaid trust fund revenue triggers are met. Representative Ray said the bill was intended to continue discussion after the underlying bill failed on the House floor. Members asked about the tax’s annual revenue, its dedication to the Medicaid Trust Fund, and whether the revenue would be replaced. Ray estimated the tax brings in roughly $40 million to $50 million annually and said the proposal did not replace that revenue. DFA was asked to explain how withdrawals from the trust fund are authorized and whether the legislature has oversight, and said it would provide that information later. The committee then adopted the interim study proposal.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're going to report it to DFA. Matt, Mr.
• And I think DFA themselves is saying that that's too broad. Mr.
• But we agreed upon this between DFA. I'm the middleman between DFA and the auditor.
• This is what DFA and the state auditor agreed to.
• I think from a DFA perspective, this streamlines the process.

Bills: SB145, SB143

Keywords: auditing, financial reporting, state auditor, public agencies, capital outlay, compliance, federal audits, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, fee update, regulatory fees, egg inspection, egg grading, egg dealer, pesticide control, pesticide registration, pesticide applicator, pest management consultant, plant protection, nursery license

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a lot of money, even for DFA. As you know, Mr.
• Emergency, we have so many funds at DFA.
• hearing the good news about DFA and what's happening.
• So I think you deserve a lot of credit in that DFA.
• We are involved at DFA; they keep us informed. It goes through the DFA Financial Control Division.

Transcript Highlights:

• With me today are my DFA counterpart, Lori Siaka, and new...
• And then your next line is item number five to DFA for housing.
• He said he does not understand why DFA would handle it, because he does not think DFA really put housing
• So the money wouldn't be going to Indian Affairs; it would be at DFA.
• the governor is the DFA person.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Item number three to DFA is $550,000.
• Item number five, similarly, we discussed yesterday to DFA.
• Item number five, similarly, we discussed yesterday to DFA.
• Item number 43 for DFA is where our housing work group met.
• And then if we turn to page six, we'll see again to DFA, and this would be to DFA for those regional

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With me at the table is Mary Beth from DFA, who is the...
• I'm the Deputy Budget Director of the State Budget Division at DFA.
• It's under DFA.
• Chair, Senator, I'm Simon Miller, analyst at DFA.
• To subjectivity between DFA and the agency.

Transcript Highlights:

• DFA, and we're requesting DFA to fully fund the program. How does that work?
• get reimbursed by DFA.
• This is the DFA one. The request was to make an addition to the letter.
• Move to approve the letter to DFA. Is there a second? Second by Senator Stefanik.
• Can you purchase líneas with less DFA oversight with that other fund?

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul Garing, DFA. You're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• the collection of the tax, with the consumers currently having a 60-day period to remit the tax to DFA
• at the time of registration, Consumers currently having a 60-day period to remit the tax to DFA at the
• So that's a process that the DFA, as the government official, would have to work out.
• I would not be aware that DFA had taken a position either way on this bill or this ISP.

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The committee first approved special expenses incurred by the committee, then took up interim study proposals. The first, ISP 2025-069 by Representative Perry, would move collection of sales tax on motor vehicles from the current registration-based process to the point of sale at dealerships. Representative Eaton presented the proposal, and members questioned DFA about fiscal impact, dealer implementation costs, verification and audit issues, and whether the change would shift burdens to dealers or consumers. DFA said the overall tax amount would not change, but system programming and timing changes would be needed, and dealers would likely face process changes and possibly added costs. Despite concerns from some members and references to opposition from auto dealers, the committee voted to send the proposal to research and passed the ISP. The committee then considered ISP 2025-071, based on House Bill 1636 from the 2025 session, which would phase out Arkansas’s soda excise tax over five years if revenue triggers in the Medicaid Trust Fund were met. Representative Ray explained that the bill had passed committee but failed on the House floor in the prior session, and members discussed the tax’s annual revenue, its dedication to the Medicaid Trust Fund, and whether the proposal would replace lost revenue. Questions were also raised about who controls distributions from the trust fund and whether the legislature has oversight. DFA said it would follow up with DHS on the mechanics and provide additional information. The committee then voted to adopt the interim study proposal, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul Garing, DFA. You're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Paul Garing, DFA. You're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• The existing process does require the purchaser to come into DFA, register their vehicle, and before
• Yeah, I wasn't aware that DFA had taken a position either way on this bill or this ISP.
• Paul Gearing, DFA. Representative Ray?

Summary: The committee first approved special expenses incurred by the committee, then took up interim study proposals. ISP 2025-069, sponsored by Representative Perry and presented by Representative Eaton, would move collection of sales tax on motor vehicles from the current post-purchase registration process to the point of sale at dealerships. Committee members and DFA discussed the current 60-day registration/tax payment window, possible fiscal and programming impacts on DFA, the added administrative burden on dealers, verification and audit issues, and concerns about whether the change would improve or complicate tax collection. After questions, the committee voted to send the proposal to research/interim study. The committee then considered ISP 2025-071, from Representative Ray, based on House Bill 1636, which would phase out the state excise tax on soda over five years if revenue triggers were met. Representative Ray explained the tax revenue supports the Medicaid trust fund and said the proposal was intended to continue discussion after the bill failed on the House floor in the regular session. Members asked about the annual revenue generated, the trust fund’s other revenue sources, and whether the revenue would be replaced. DFA was asked to provide additional information on how withdrawals from the Medicaid trust fund are authorized and whether the legislature has oversight. The committee then approved the proposal for interim study and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• ... ...Volume 2 and the DFA budget recommendation.
• I can't speak for the DFA, though. Mr.
• The DFA recommendation... Our original request was for more than that. The DFA recommendation...
• Marius Miglia, DFA analyst; Chief Public Defender Mr.
• And I'm asking you as well to adopt the DFA budget. Thank you.

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee first heard an Aging and Long-Term Services Department budget presentation comparing the LFC and executive recommendations. The main differences were in the Aging Network, Adult Protective Services, Program Support, and Long-Term Care Division, especially the executive’s proposed $10 million infusion into the Kiki Savadra Senior Dignity Fund and $6.2 million for expanding New Mexico Care. LFC staff explained that the committee recommendation was lower in general fund and fund-balance use, while the executive emphasized rising senior population needs, meal and transportation costs, and the cost savings of keeping older adults at home. The secretary also reviewed the department’s special requests, including the conference on aging, outreach, emergency preparedness, and the Kiki fund, and described New Mexico Care’s growth, its evaluation results, and the department’s plan to separate Kiki into its own accounting fund. Members largely focused on senior services, rural meal delivery, transportation, caregiver support, and the Kiki fund. Several members urged stronger support for non-metro aging providers and for New Mexico Care, citing its role in keeping seniors out of nursing homes and the program’s reported savings and outcomes. Questions also covered eligibility, background checks for caregivers, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer’s screening, and whether Kiki funds can support home modifications such as ramps. The committee then voted to adopt the LFC recommendation with one executive language change: adding the executive’s page 14 language allowing an additional 12.5% distribution for initial payments to aging network providers at the start of FY27. Representative Dow opposed the motion. The committee then moved to the Attorney General’s budget. LFC staff explained that the office’s budget relies heavily on the Consumer Settlement Fund, with both recommendations reducing general fund revenue while increasing settlement-fund use, and that performance measures were in consensus. The Attorney General said the office was not seeking more general fund, but wanted greater ability to use funds it recovers. He highlighted major consumer and public safety work, including litigation against major social media and AI platforms, a case involving Snapchat and child exploitation/extortion, the statewide crime gun intelligence center, efforts to address oilfield theft, work on missing and murdered Indigenous persons, and efforts to protect federal funds coming into New Mexico.

Transcript Highlights:

• And also, why is it going to DFA? And do you really think DFA can spend that in two years?
• And also, why is it going to DFA? And do you really think DFA can spend that in two years?
• And also, why is it going to DFA? And do you really think DFA can spend that in two years?
• And also, why is it going to DFA? And do you really think DFA can spend that in two years?
• And also, why is it going to DFA? And do you really think DFA can spend that in two years?

Bills: SB20, SB21, SB166, SB177, SB181, SB189, SM6

Keywords: prior authorization, pharmacy benefits manager, PBM, health insurer, prescription drugs, step therapy, formulary, auto-adjudication, electronic portal, appeals, medical necessity, serious mental illness, mental health, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, substance use disorder, addiction treatment, cancer, autoimmune disorder

Transcript Highlights:

• They are submitted through a system that DFA administers, and DFA provides quite a lot of support to
• They are submitted through a system that DFA administers and DFA provides quite a lot of support to them
• I do want to say one thing about DFA accounting.
• I do want to say one thing about DFA accounting, okay?
• What happens at the DFA is they use a rounding thing.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Did we get an agreement with DFA and LFC on how we're going to handle GROW?
• So we've come to an agreement with DFA on that.
• DFA is looking for some type of direction.
• They have been around for quite a while now within DFA, jumping from division to division.
• Essentially what that would produce is then a recommendation from DFA.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, that is a DFA bill.
• This is a bill Um that is a DFA bill.
• The first one being agencies within DFA.
• Uh DFA that is also Senate action.
• for tourism purposes, 2,17,146 to DFA for tourism purposes, 2,17,146 to<00:57:54.960> DFA<00:

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 18 February, 2026; 11:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee began with process instructions about using committee substitutes, identifying bills with reverse repealers, and taking up noncontroversial items in blocks. It then approved Senate Bill 3051, the DFA budget, which included LBR-level funding with a reverse repealer and agency-by-agency allocations for the status of women, DFA, tort claims, state property insurance, BEAM, and Mississippi Home Corporation. Senate Bill 3052, the governor’s support budget, was also approved as a final-action bill without a reverse repealer, with members noting the reduction from the prior year was tied to lower federal funding. The committee then handled the IHL budget bills. Senate Bill 3053, the general support bill, included a 3% across-the-board raise for IHL professors and $20 million for repair and renovation at universities, plus $5 million for UMMC; it passed as a committee substitute with a reverse repealer. Senate Bill 3054, the original IHL-related bill, passed without a committee substitute. Bills 3055 through 3059 were taken up in block and approved, providing 3% increases for A units at Alcorn State and Mississippi State. Senate Bill 3060, student financial aid, added about $7.7 million for scholarship costs, including MESG, MTAG, and Winters-Reed loan repayment, and passed as a committee substitute. The committee also approved the larger IHL budget bill with a reverse repealer and discussed, but did not fund, a UMMC cancer center request at that stage. Subcommittee 3 presented education-related bills. Senate Bill 3062 was approved at LBR with a reverse repealer and included a large transfer from the education enhancement fund. Senate Bill 3063 added $15 million for repair and renovation and $8.11 million for faculty pay raises, and passed as a committee substitute with a reverse repealer. On Senate Bill 3064, the Employment Security Commission budget, members discussed whether the committee substitute included a reverse repealer and noted they might revisit that on the floor if needed; the bill was advanced. Subcommittee 4 then took up Senate Bills 3065, 3066, 3068, and 3069 in block and approved them: Ethics Commission funding increased for salary realignment and a database; Judicial Performance Commission language was tightened to freeze the director’s salary and ensure youth court oversight funds were used solely for that purpose; Tax Appeals Board funding was increased to restore cuts and vacancy funding; and Workers’ Compensation Commission funding rose to cover commissioner salary increases and related language changes. Later, the committee approved Senate Bill 3067 for the Department of Public Safety, which included a reverse repealer, LBR-level funding, additional money for furniture for the new headquarters, and reappropriation language. Senate Bill 3071, the GCRF bill, was approved with a reverse repealer and reappropriation language for prior-year projects. Senate Bill 3072, the Department of Mental Health budget, was approved with a reverse repealer and included $12 million for the Canopy project, prior-year invoice funding, and language tied to mental health-related legislation. Finally, Senate Bills 3073 through 3075 were taken up in block for licensing boards, with increases for the Chiropractic Examiners, Dental Examiners, and Pharmacy boards, including funding for licensing system updates, vacancy funding, and expansion of the pharmacy recovery program.